San Nicola in Carcere, Rome

Three Republican-era temples (260-194 BCE) were incorporated into a medieval church founded by the Byzantine Greek community in the 7th century. The name 'in carcere' recalls the structures' use as a medieval prison.

In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, three temples rose along the Forum Holitorium, ancient Rome's vegetable and herb market. Roman commanders, returning victorious from the Punic Wars, dedicated temples to the gods who had granted success: Gaius Duilius built the Temple of Janus after defeating Carthage at sea in 260 BCE; Attilius Calatinus invoked Hope during the First Punic War; Cornelius Cethegus thanked Juno Sospita for protection against northern enemies. For centuries, Roman citizens made offerings at these temples as they shopped for vegetables. When Christianity prevailed, the temples closed. The structures served variously—reportedly as a prison, hence 'in carcere.' In the 7th century, Greek Christians living in this Byzantine-ruled neighborhood built a church dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, using the ancient temples as their foundation.